African Athletics: 'They fight with us over food' – South African athlete fumes

South African shot put athlete, Aiden Smith has expressed his displeasure over the manner in which meals are being served at the ongoing African Athletics Championship.

According to him, controversies often arise during meal times as his demands and expectations are not met.

He disclosed that at one point he was given only one piece of chicken, which he felt was insufficient. When he requested more, he was initially denied and had to argue before eventually being granted his wish.

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“And then the eating, like the eating hall. We go there, we ask for food, they fight with us. We’re not allowed to take more than one chicken bone. And I asked them, okay, listen, we are athletes, we need to eat, we need to hydrate. And they said, no, go. You’re only allowed to take chicken or fish, not both. And when I fight with them, like, listen, I need to eat, then they say, okay, I’ll give you at least two. So they just give me two chickens,” he told journalists at the University of Ghana Sports Stadium.

The African shot put champion also complained about being served just one egg during a meal, which he deemed inappropriate for maintaining fitness.

Smith noted that he usually consumes up to 20 eggs in a single meal, and therefore being restricted to one or half an egg was unacceptable and disappointing.

“In the morning they give me half an egg or one egg. That’s it. You’re not allowed to get any more eggs. At home, I eat 20 eggs in the morning. Off-season, I eat 20 eggs; in-season, I eat like 8 or 9 eggs. Now I’m only allowed one egg,” he added.

Watch the interview below:

‘When we ask for food, they fight with us. We’re not allowed to take more than one chicken.’

South Africa’s Aiden Smith on athlete treatment at their hostel at the ongoing African Athletics Championships.#JoySports pic.twitter.com/CKv1OQZIUQ

— #JoySports (@JoySportsGH) May 12, 2026

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Watch highlights from Day One of the African Athletics Championship